This weekend, Pride comes to the City of Angels. Southern California's biggest gathering of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities will include two days of live entertainment on multiple stages, headline performances, dance venues, food and drink vendors, and numerous exhibitors.
But Pride isn't the only thing Los Angeles has to offer LGBT people and their friends and families. While you're in town, be sure to take a break from celebrating to explore the diverse entertainment offerings in the sprawling metropolis and check out a few LGBT-friendly sites available for year-round visits.
Below, check out our slideshow of must-see places for the LGBT traveler and feel free to add your own destinations.
For a full list of Pride events, click here
LGBT Destinations: Los Angeles
West Hollywood(01 of05)
As the heart of Southern California's gay community, West Hollywood has a large population of gay residences, as well as LGBT-friendly bars and stores. Most establishments are concentrated on the famous Sunset Strip section of Santa Monica Boulevard. Despite Los Angeles' reputation as a pedestrian's hell, West Hollywood is very walkable and bars are densely located. There may be no better place in the country for a night of gay bar-hopping than West Hollywood. Photo via Sarah_Ackerman at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="13" data-vars-position-in-unit="14">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sackerman519/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" Sarah_Ackerman" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/sackerman519/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="14" data-vars-position-in-unit="15"> Sarah_Ackerman</a>)
The Abbey(02 of05)
The Abbey Food and Bar has grown from a small West Hollywood coffeehouse to one of the most popular LGBT hotspots in the country. Locals, tourists and celebrities alike all flock to The Abbey for its famous Martinis as well as its open-air ambiance and relaxed elegance. Photo via Troy David Johnsoton at Flickr.com . (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/troydavidjohnston/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" Troy David Johnston" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/troydavidjohnston/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="12"> Troy David Johnston</a>)
Silver Lake(03 of05)
Whereas WeHo is more of a shaved-chest muscle mecca, the neighborhood of Silver Lake is best known as an eclectic mix of young, artistic queers, older hairy daddies and anyone in between. The neighborhood, considered Los Angeles' hipster enclave, has the city's largest population of lesbians and a wide variety of queer-friendly bars. Silver Lake is a must for LGBT travelers looking for an alternative to West Hollywood's gay scene. Photo via JoeInSouthernCA at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="8">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/joebehr/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" JoeInSouthernCA" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/joebehr/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="9"> JoeInSouthernCA</a>)
Griffith Park(04 of05)
While not specifically aimed at LGBT visitors, Griffith Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country, is not to be missed. Situated at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, the park is great for a hike up to Griffith Observatory (pictured), which offers fantastic views of the mountain range and Los Angeles' sprawling cityscape. There are usually free events held at the park, as well as a large area for picnics and paths for strolling through LA's natural beauty.Photo via chrisamichaels at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="4" data-vars-position-in-unit="5">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisamichaels/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" chrisamichaels" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisamichaels/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="6"> chrisamichaels</a>)
Will Rogers State Beach(05 of05)
The Los Angeles sun is unbeatable and there's no better way to appreciate it than spending a day by the water with toes the sand. Although Los Angeles offers many beaches, Will Rogers State Beach, which extends one and three-quarters mile along the shore, is one of the best. It is generally less crowded than other more touristy beaches and draws a large following of LGBT locals. Facilities include volleyball courts, playground and gymnastic equipment, as well as a bike path and walkway. Although there is an admission fee, the diversion that Will Rogers offers is well worth it. The beach is located off the Pacific Coast Highway near the intersection with Temescal Canyon Road. Photo via rufusowliebat at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="2">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rufusowliebat/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" rufusowliebat" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa423e4b0ad76925f5bf4" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/rufusowliebat/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="3"> rufusowliebat</a>)
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